A sixth-round pick from Villanova in the 2022 NFL Draft, Benford finished the season with an 82.6 overall PPF grade (fifth among CBs). The 24-year-old cornerback played like a top-five player at the position and now he’ll be paid like one on a deal that will keep him in Buffalo through the 2029 season. Benford’s deal comes after extensions for EDGE Greg Rousseau, LB Terrel Bernard and WR Khalil Shakir as the Bills continue to lock up their core players this offseason.

Benford, active off the questionable line despite a brain injury, was hit in the helmet by a Bills defender right after Tony Romo explained how important it was that Benford was playing. He was carted off in the front seat of a golf cart after looking woozy. It was commendable for him to try to play in this game for his team, but it was tough to watch this happen. Kaair Elam replaced Benford at cornerback.

It’s very good news for the Bills’ perpetually banged up secondary and defense. Inactive for the Bills are QB Mike White, CB Brandon Codrington DL Quinton Jefferson, OT Ryan Van Demark, DT DeWayne Carter, S Taylor Rapp and OL Sedrick Van Pran-Granger.

The Bills’ secondary is in rough shape. S Taylor Rapp (back/hip) has already been ruled out and Benford’s worsening practice participation following last week’s concussion bodes poorly for his availability. Benford still has a chance to pass the NFL concussion protocol’s five phases but it appears as though he may be backsliding. Benford is one of the NFL’s best perimeter cornerbacks. He effectively dissuades quarterbacks from targeting his coverage and efficiently breaks up would-be completions.